How to follow up after your interview

Follow-ups, timelines, and how to stay top of mind

You walk out of the interview. You feel good. Or maybe you are not quite sure how it went. Either way, this is where most candidates go quiet.

But what you do after the interview can be just as important as what you said in the room. Following up the right way keeps you top of mind and reinforces your interest. 

This week, we cover what happens after the interview and how to follow up without overdoing it:

  • 🎯 How to follow up without sounding pushy

  • 💼  Available internship offers

  • 🧠  Staying visible and improving your odds

— Investor Briefcase Team

Sending a thank you message after an interview is more than a formality. It is a small step that helps you stay relevant for the recruiter while showing that you understand how to follow through.

Aim to send it within twenty-four hours. Keep it brief and genuine. Thank the interviewer for their time, mention something specific from the conversation, and reaffirm your interest in the role.

Here is a simple message you can adapt

Hi [Interviewer’s Name],

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. I really appreciated learning more about [Firm Name] and your team’s work in [mention something specific you discussed, such as a recent deal or the culture of the firm].

Our conversation confirmed my interest in the role and in building a career focused on [insert focus area like investment banking, equity research, or private markets]. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to the team and learning from the experience.

Please let me know if there is anything I can share as a follow-up. I look forward to staying in touch.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Even a short note like this can make a difference. It helps the interviewer remember you and shows that you know how to follow through. And in a competitive field, that is often enough to tilt the odds in your favour.

If you spoke with more than one person, write individual messages. Recruiters and professionals talk to dozens of candidates. Referencing a personal moment from your discussion shows attention and makes you stand out.

Societe Generale

💼 Position: Hedge Funds Credit Risk Intern
📍 Location: New York, USA
🏛️ Industry: Hedge Fund
📅 Deadline: August 2025

Click here to apply

Citco

💼 Position: Private Equity Client Services Intern
📍 Location: Jersey City, USA
🏛️ Industry: Private Equity
📅 Deadline: November 2025

Click here to apply

London Stock Exchange Group

💼 Position: Risk Data & Quantitative Intern
📍 Location: Paris, France
🏛️ Industry: Risk Management
📅 Deadline: August 2025

Most firms take one to two weeks to make a decision. If you do not hear back after that, a polite follow-up is completely appropriate. Just avoid sending multiple messages in a short window. Recruiters are busy and silence often means they are still working through decisions.

If the role is highly competitive or if the process involved multiple stages, the timeline can stretch further. Use that time to continue networking and preparing for next steps. Do not pause your momentum waiting for one outcome.

“In order to be successful, you have to wait for the right opportunities and prepare for them relentlessly.”

Ray Dalio, Founder of Bridgewater Associates

The reality is that many decisions are made by committees. The more people remember you positively, the better your chances. That is why a strong thank you note and a respectful follow-up are often more important than people think.

Even if you do not get the offer, end with professionalism. Thank them again for their time and let them know you would like to stay in touch. Doors often open later, and lasting relationships are built over time.

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